Your Vintage Glass Is Beautiful, But Is It Safe To Drink From?

There's something so undeniably charming about vintage glassware. Whether you've inherited a few pieces or you're an avid flea market thrifter, it's hard to resist their delicate beauty. But, along with stunning details and nostalgia, these glasses can also come with serious safety concerns. Glassware was not always made according to the same standards as today, and some vintage pieces carry dangerous chemicals, including lead. So, while they're beautiful, you might not necessarily want to drink from your vintage glasses.

Lead was used to make crystalware because it helped make glass easier to work with. Thanks to lead, pieces were able to be engraved, they were heavier, and also more long-lasting. As a result, lead is found in tons of crystalware — not just glasses. Vintage cups, plates, and decanters from before the mid-1970s could be at risk of carrying lead. Lead poisoning is not something to take lightly. Over time, lead builds up in a person's body and can cause mood disorders, pain, miscarriages, and high blood pressure. Lead can cause severe developmental issues in children, and at high levels, it can even be fatal. Vintage glassware might be beautiful, but it's not worth putting your health, and your family, at risk. 

Remember to check your vintage glassware for lead if you plan to use it for eating and drinking. As a rule of thumb, you should avoid glassware from before the 1980s, since lead regulation didn't go into place until 1978 in the United States. If you have some items you're not sure about, consider asking an expert at an antique shop to identify the age of the piece. You could also call a professional with a lead-detecting machines, for a fee. Or, there are at-home lead testing kits you can try, some of which work for vintage glassware — but make sure not to get kits only designed for glass. 

Now, if you're wondering if it is ever acceptable to use glassware that contains lead, the answer is maybe. For short periods of time, and very occasionally, some people might choose to take the risk. However, it's never safe to use this glassware extensively or regularly — and never to store any food or drinks over time. Think short and sweet toast at a party, on a very special occasion.

If you'd prefer not to take the risk at all, don't toss out your beautiful vintage glassware. These pieces are great as decoration throughout the house. There are also tons of ways to repurpose drinking glasses, like using them as a vase or a candle holder. You can even arrange your vintage collection on a shelf or in open kitchen shelving with glass doors, where they can be safely admired.